Singapore is the smallest country in Southeast Asia. However, this city-state has a globalized economy that has made it the fourth country with the highest income per capita in the world behind Qatar , Macao and Luxembourg . You won’t be short of things to do in Singapore: from strolling around Marina Bay to enjoying one of Sentosa’s theme parks. It is a small country but with many attractions. In this post we tell you 30 things to do in Singapore . Where to stay in Singapore: best areas and hotels
30 Things To See And Do In Singapore
Get lost in Gardens by the Bay
These gardens very well define the essence of this city-state: beautiful, modern and well-kept. They were built with the intention that Singapore be inside a garden to improve the relationship with the flora and fauna. If they are not the most beautiful gardens in the world, they will be in the top five. Admission to the gardens themselves is free, although the conservatories and the Skywalk between the famous SuperTree Groves are paid. The entrance to the conservatories costs 28SGD (18€ approx.) while the Skywalk between the trees costs 8SGD (5€ approx.). These famous 50m tall trees are its main attraction: during the day they collect all the photovoltaic energy to use it at night to light up. Our advice is to go in the afternoon. At 19:45 and 20:45 there is a light show in the SuperTree Groves area that you are sure to enjoy. Without a doubt, an essential thing to do in Singapore. Buy tickets online to save time and money
Photograph the Marina Bay Sands a thousand times , something typical to do in Singapore
This hotel is perhaps the most famous in the world and the main icon of the Singapore skyline. Its three towers have more than 2,560 rooms , a 120,000 m² convention and exhibition center, a shopping mall, an Art and Science museum and one of the largest casinos in the world, among many other things. However, it is world famous for its infinity pool .
Information
The entrance to the pool is only for hotel guests. So if you don’t stay at the Marina Bay Sands you won’t be able to swim.
Go up to the SkyPark , its famous viewpoint, and have the best views of the city
This famous hotel also has a spectacular viewpoint located in the SkyPark , a huge platform that culminates the three towers. Despite being located in the same place as the pool, here you can go up if you are not a hotel guest. Admission costs 20SGD (13€ approx). Despite not being cheap, the 360º views are worth it . Our advice is to go at sunset and see how the city lights up from there is something highly recommended to do in Singapore. If you want to have the same views in an even better environment and without paying, go up to the Flight Bar & Lounge . It is also on the 57th floor, but from tower 1. The prices of drinks are quite high, but if you settle for a soft drink, it will be cheaper than paying for the viewpoint and you will be in a more relaxed environment.
Cross the Helix Bridge, a very curious bridge
This bridge is a true work of art. It is pedestrianized and allows you to go from the Singapore Flyer area to the Marina Bay Sands. As its name suggests, the structure of the bridge represents the double helix, reminiscent of the structure of DNA . In addition, along the bridge you will see the pairs of letters cyg, yayt (cytosine and guanine, adenine and thymine), which represent the four bases of DNA, illuminated in red and green on the ground.
Haggle on Bugis Street
Another interesting thing to do in Singapore is to try haggling on the famous Bugis Street . In this market you will find everything, especially at night when there is more atmosphere. If you are looking for a good souvenir to bring back, you will find the best there.
Discover the Merlion, one of the icons of Singapore
On the seashore is this famous half fish and half lion sculpture that forms one of the symbols of Singapore. As a curiosity, it was designed in 1964 as the corporate image of the Singapore tourist office. It is located in the Merlion Park and there is a tiny replica behind it. The Merlion hides a curious meaning. Its head is that of a lion because it represents the one that Prince Sang Nila Utama discovered in the city when he discovered it in the 11th century. And its tail is that of a fish because in this way it illustrates the fishing past of the city when it was still known as Temasek. When Sang Nila arrived in Singapore he changed the name of Temasek to Singaporea, which means Lion City ( “singa” means lion and “pure” city ).
Relax at the Singapore Botanic Gardens
As we have emphasized, Singapore itself is already a green space. All of their gardens are very well maintained and this one is no exception. Its more than 5 hectares of surface have more than 150 years of history. For the locals it is their favorite space in the city: there they go for a walk, to relax or to exercise. Since 2015 they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site . As with Gardens by the Bay , admission to the gardens themselves is free, although there is a fee area.
Browse Haji Lane, one of the most special streets to see in Singapore
It is one of the narrowest streets in Singapore. And also one of the most attractive! It is full of historic shops. They basically display products from modern and independent designers. But not only the shops have their charm. If you stop to look at the walls, you can enjoy street art . Without a doubt, walking around is one of the best things to do in Singapore. We tell you 21 funny curiosities of Singapore
Get on the Singapore Flyer , a very glamorous Ferris wheel
Another of the things that cannot be missing from your list of activities to do in Singapore is to ride the Singapore Ferris wheel. It is the highest in the world with 165 meters . It has 28 capsules, about the size of a city bus, which allow you to have great views of the city. The price is 29SGD (about €19). On clear days you can see Malaysian and Indonesian lands.
Go on a field trip to Universal Studios Singapore
If you want to spend a good day and disconnect a bit from tourism, going to Sentosa and enjoying this amusement park is a great option. The park is not very big, it has more than 20 attractions. We climb most of them in just over 5 hours. The attraction that we liked the most was the Transformers one. Its virtual reality blew us away. The entrance to the park costs approximately €50 . Book Universal tickets with transportation to the park
Get lost in the nature of Sentosa
Apart from having many other theme parks, Sentosa is known for its excellent nature. You can take advantage of the afternoon of your visit to one of the parks to relax on beautiful beaches such as Palawan Beach or take a hiking route . Getting lost in its nature is one of the essential things to do in Singapore.
Did you know…?
As a curiosity, the famous island of Sentosa is the southernmost point of the Asian continent.
Visit the largest aquarium in the world
And on the same island of Sentosa, is the SEA Aquarium, the largest in the world. It houses more than 100,000 marine animals of more than 800 species . They are grouped by habitat and allow you to get an idea of how the animals live in their respective “homes”. The entrance fee is 34SGD (22€) and it is one of the best things to do in Singapore if you are traveling with children.
Have spectacular views from the cable car that connects Singapore with Sentosa
A good way to get to Sentosa from Singapore is by taking the amazing cable car. It is the most beautiful option but also the most expensive. However, it allows you to have spectacular views of the port of Singapore, Sentosa and the city.
Go shopping at Vivo City
After coming back from Sentosa you can stop at Vivo City, the biggest shopping mall in Singapore . There you will find everything: from the most recognized stores to others that offer great prices. If you have time to spare in the city, this is a different activity to do in Singapore.
Be amazed by the incredible Masjid Sultan
The Arab quarter of Singapore is a delight, as is its main mosque. Built in 1928, it was declared a Singapore National Monument in 1975. Don’t miss it!
Transport to China in Singapore’s Chinatown
Singapore’s Chinatown is special. With their color and their banners it seems that they celebrate things every day. There you will find shops of all kinds: from imitation fragrances to traditional objects. However, if there is one monument that stands out above all, it is the Temple of the Buddha Tooth Relic. In addition, it is a perfect area to fill the stomach for very little. We recommend restaurants to eat delicious and cheap in Singapore
Hallucinate with the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, one of the most beautiful temples to see in Singapore
Although it seems that it is a historical building, it is not. This temple-museum was built in 2007 . As its name indicates, inside it is one of the four teeth of the Buddha that his disciples recovered from the ashes after his cremation. Admission is free and we advise you to go up to the roof where you will find a beautiful garden.
Information
Although it is a tourist attraction, it is still a place of worship for Buddhists. You cannot enter with shorts or tank tops, but do not worry, at the same entrance they lend you scarves with which to cover yourself.
Disconnect on the MacRitchie Nature Trail
If you like nature, this is one of the activities to do in Singapore that you cannot miss . This hiking route is only 40 minutes by public transport from the city center. The route is 11km long and will allow you to disconnect in a tropical jungle full of monkeys, lizards, snakes and squirrels. If you like to interact with nature, do not miss it. The path is accessible to all audiences and is well indicated.
Stroll down Jubilee Walk
If you want to have very nice views of Downtown Singapore, do not hesitate to walk along this path. It is attached to the Singapore River and we advise you to do it at sunset, which is when it is better.
Have a drink at Clarke Quay, something essential to do in Singapore
This is one of the areas with the most nightlife in Singapore. There you will find many bars and restaurants where you can have a drink with beautiful views of the river and the city . As a curiosity, during the 19th century this area was the center of the city. Now, its old warehouses have been converted into precious colorful houses that will surely make you get out of bed to photograph them.
Try The Flight Experience
If you are looking for a different activity to do in Singapore and you like airplanes, you will love it. This flight simulator is located in the shopping mall next to the Singapore Ferris Wheel. There, several flight trainees will teach you how to fly a Boeing 737 from the cockpit .
Get lost in Little India, a fun thing to do in Singapore
The Indian community in Singapore is quite large and most are grouped in the well-known Little India. Get lost in its streets and let yourself be carried away by the smell of spices and enjoy its markets.
Visit the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
It is the biggest attraction of Little India. This temple was built in 1881 by the first Indians who came to work and live in Singapore. It is the oldest and most important Hindu temple in the whole country . As a curiosity, during the air raids in World War II, many Singaporeans took refuge inside this sacred space. Without a doubt, a curious visit to do in Singapore.
Know the Kranji War Memorial
Located in Kranji, north of Singapore, this memorial is dedicated to the foreign men and women who died defending Singapore and Malaysia against the invading Japanese forces during World War II. Without a doubt, it is an advisable visit to do in Singapore since it allows you to delve into its living history.
Relax at East Coast Park
If you want to enjoy a quiet day, go to East Coast Park. Although the beaches are nothing to write home about (they are open, there are strong currents and boats), the space is ideal for picnics or barbecues. You can also do some very nice walks. If you have time in Singapore, don’t miss it.
Hallucinate with the views of the Altitude Gallery & Bar
If you want to have an alternative to the Marina Bay SkyPark, this bar is a good competition. We also believe that it is better since from there you can see the Marina Bay. As its name indicates, the views from the heights are stupendous. If you want to have a drink on its terrace located at 282 meters while you watch the night fall over Singapore, it is a perfect option . The prices are a bit expensive, but it’s worth it. Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Singapore.
Climb Mount Faber
Finally, to finish with the viewpoints, you can climb this mountain to contemplate beautiful views of the city . If you plan to go to Sentosa with the cable car, there is a stop there, so you have it perfect to visit it.
Discover the Parliament of Singapore
Another activity to do in Singapore is to visit its Parliament. Although it is not well known, its building is beautiful and it is not far from the main attractions of the city.
Photograph the colorful houses on Bugis St.
Some of the most curious buildings to see in Singapore are around Bugis Street. They are colorful houses with very characteristic spiral staircases. Let’s see if you find them!
Visit Kuala Lumpur , a highly recommended excursion to do in Singapore
And to finish our list of things to do in Singapore, we advise you to escape to Kuala Lumpur . Both capitals are separated by just over 300km and it is very easy and cheap to connect them by bus. Getting to know the Petronas Towers and the Malay culture is something you can’t miss if you have a couple of dead days in the area. Kuala Lumpur is a big city but you can get to know it pretty quickly. If you feel like visiting it, we leave you 35 things to do in Kuala Lumpur . We also leave you all the transport options to go from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur easily. Singapore is the smallest country in Southeast Asia. However, this city-state has a globalized economy that has made it the fourth country with the highest income per capita in the world behind Qatar , Macao and Luxembourg . You won’t be short of things to do in Singapore: from strolling around Marina Bay to enjoying one of Sentosa’s theme parks. It is a small country but with many attractions. In this post we tell you 30 things to do in Singapore . Where to stay in Singapore: best areas and hotels